Saralnama
Security agencies in Jammu and Kashmir have increased surveillance in several private schools following reports of religious radicalization among students, particularly girls, and rising drug use. Intelligence indicates that extremist clerics are promoting strict interpretations of Islam, discouraging traditional Sufi practices, which some fear could erode Kashmir’s centuries-old cultural heritage. Alongside ideological concerns, authorities have noted a surge in narcotics use in schools, leading to police action that resulted in 97 arrests and 73 cases filed over three months. Unregulated madrassas are also under scrutiny for alleged terrorist propaganda. Officials and some former separatists express worry that religious extremism, partly fueled by social media and cross-border influences, threatens regional stability and youth welfare. The government’s efforts aim to counteract these trends amid ongoing challenges from decades of conflict and instability in the region. (Updated 24 Aug 2025, 18:11 IST; source: link)